Correspondence between Zebulon Weaver, Phillip W. Ayres, James G. K. McClure Jr., and Reuben B. Robertson, 1925-1926

Correspondence between Zebulon Weaver, Phillip W. Ayres, James G. K. McClure Jr., and Reuben B. Robertson, 1925-1926

Ayers, Phillip W. (Phillip Wheelock), 1861-1945

McClure, James Gore King

Robertson, Reuben B. (Reuben Buck), 1879-1972 -- Correspondence

Weaver, Zebulon, 1872-1948 -- Correspondence

Acquisition of property

Government purchasing of real property

Zebulon Weaver (1872-1948) was a lawyer and U.S. Representative from western North Carolina. He was a member of the North Carolina Park Commission and was involved in the land acquisition process that went towards establishment of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and development of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This set of seven letters-correspondence between Zebulon Weaver, Phillip W. Ayres, James G. K. McClure Jr., and Reuben B. Robertson-reflect differences in opinion regarding establishment of a national park in the Smoky Mountain area. While Weaver supports the creation of a national park, the others favor the creation of a national forest in the area which will serve conservation and industry interests such as lumber. Following are brief summaries of each letter: Phillip W. Ayres to Reuben Robertson, December 24, 1925 In this letter Ayres commends Robertson’s pamphlet on the proposed Smoky Mountain National Park. Ayres ends his letter by asking Robertson for copies of the latter’s pamphlet to be distributed amongst the members of the Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests and their New England delegates in the Congress. James G. K. McClure to Zebulon Weaver, January 7, 1926 In this letter McClure refers to enclosing a copy of the letter received by Reuben Roberston which would interest Weaver regarding possibilities of combining park and forest features. Zebulon Weaver to James G. K. McClure, January 15, 1926 In this two page letter Weaver points out having a national forest instead of a national park in the Smoky Mountain area would lead to numerous similar demands for national forests by other states. Additionally, a national park created in the Smokies would most likely serve the same purpose of a national forest and a solution can be worked out that would be satisfactory to both supporters and opponents of the national park idea. Reuben Robertson to Zebulon Weaver, January, 18, 1926 In this letter Robertson mentions receiving a letter from Mr. Ayers reflecting the sentiment prevailing in New England regarding the establishment of the Smoky Mountain National Park. James G. K. McClure to Zebulon Weaver, January 18, 1926 In this letter McClure clarifies to Weaver that Mr. Robertson was in favor of the museum area of the national forest, to be possibly financed by lumber interests, but that the area be open to forest practices. Zebulon Weaver to Reuben Robertson, January 20, 1926 In this three page letter Weaver states it would be impossible to set aside the Smoky Mountain Area as a national forest and yet provide it with intensive development for recreational and museum purposes as suited to a national park. Zebulon Weaver to James G. K. McClure, January 20, 1926 In this letter Weaver emphasizes that his position, with regards to the establishment of the Smoky Mountain National Park, is in line with the future good of North Carolina and hopes differences of opinion can be resolved.

Ayers, Phillip W. (Phillip Wheelock), 1861-1945

McClure, James Gore King

Robertson, Reuben B. (Reuben Buck), 1879-1972

Weaver, Zebulon, 1872-1948

Zebulon Weaver Collection

Hunter Library Digital Collections, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723

1925-1926

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/

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letters (correspondence)

eng

Text

17725

https://southernappalachiandigitalcollections.org/object/17725

2013-08-21

All rights reserved. For permissions, contact WCU Herbarium, Western Carolina U, Cullowhee, NC 28723;

Buncombe County (N.C.)

Great Smoky Mountains (N.C. and Tenn.)

10 pages(pages)

10.5" x 8"(dimension)

11" x 8.5"(dimension)

Great Smoky Mountains - A Park for America